New York City FC head coach Pascal Jansen is focused on the present as his team enters the first 2025 edition of the Hudson River Derby against New York Red Bulls on Saturday afternoon. It is a rematch between the two foes who did battle at Citi Field in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time, ending with Red Bulls walking away victorious. Jansen, who is new to the rivalry, knows that the game will be emotional but wants his team to focus on the present to accomplish their mission.
“A derby always brings something extra with it,” said Jansen when asked if he’d connected with his players about the derby and its emotional toll last year. “Conversations have been about past games, but we try to focus on the present. We came back from a game on Wednesday, and once that game was finished, our thoughts went straight to New York Red Bulls.”
Wednesday lacked in positivity for both clubs as City played to a scoreless draw while Red Bulls lost 2-1 in Nashville. For NYC, their biggest concern has been an offense that hsn’t scored in three games. The reliance on star striker Alonso Martinez is also a worrisome trend as players like Julian Fernandez, Andres Perea and Hannes Wolf have lacked the killer bite in front of goal.
The game presents more than just a chance at bragging rights. Currently New York Red Bulls and NYCFC are level on points in eight and ninth place respectively. A win for City could wash away the negativity around the loss in the US Open Cup and the inconsistent run of form they’ve had on offense.
“Thinking back and bringing up memories from games played in the past always helps,” said Jansen. “Emotions are there and we have to learn from those moments to be better prepared going into the next game.”
City will be missing two key players for the game. Keaton Parks and Kevin O’Toole will not be fit for the first derby. Parks in particular is a massive blow as he has been one of the more consistent midfielders for the club in 2025. Fitness and energy will be at a premium for both clubs as they have played a number of games in recent weeks. However, the derby is always a motivator and NYCFC will be looking forward to that as they search for momentum.
photo by Jordan Bank